Hyundai Motor Group Champions Hydrogen Collaboration at Global CEO Summit in Seoul

From December 2 to 4, 2025, Hyundai Motor Group took a major step towards establishing leaders' collaborative efforts in the hydrogen industry by co-hosting the Hydrogen Council Global CEO Summit in Seoul. This prestigious event gathered approximately 200 global leaders and policymakers to set the strategic direction of the hydrogen sector and hasten its transition towards a more sustainable future.

The Hydrogen Council serves as the only CEO-led global initiative in the hydrogen space, uniting key companies from the energy, chemicals, and automotive sectors. The Summit aimed to create a robust platform for sharing ambitious visions regarding hydrogen while exploring potential pathways for collaboration and encouraging a shift towards clean energy.

Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang of Hyundai Motor Group and Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council emphasized the critical role of hydrogen, stating, "Hydrogen is not only a climate solution but also a cornerstone for energy security and industrial competitiveness. This CEO Summit underscored a decisive shift for the hydrogen industry, transitioning from ambition to action where leaders aligned in agreement on concrete steps to unlock demand."

Key Outcomes from the Summit

The event, themed "Hydrogen 2030: Lead. Build. Deliver," illustrated a commitment from various sectors to work together in fostering the growth of the hydrogen ecosystem. Critical announcements included:

New Leadership and Structural Framework

François Jackow, the CEO of Air Liquide, joined Chang as the new Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, reinforcing a robust global collaboration network. In developing a strategic roadmap, participants underscored the necessity of cultivating demand, expanding infrastructure, and establishing universal standards to scale hydrogen efforts by 2030.

Government Commitment and Global Standards

Officials from key nations including Korea, France, Germany, and Australia gathered to reaffirm their dedication to demand-side policies while sharing clear public-private investment roadmaps aimed at stimulating the hydrogen sector’s growth.

Highlighting Korea's Innovations

A detailed session spotlighted advanced hydrogen market cases from Korean trailblazers like SK Innovation and Doosan Fuel Cell. The discussions featured keynote presentations by influential figures, including Lee Ho-hyeon, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, and Young Hun Oh, Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

Hyundai Motor Group showcased its pioneering use of hydrogen-powered vehicles, demonstrating a commitment to leading the clean energy transition. The company highlighted its fleet of 50 new NEXO SUVs and six UNIVERSE Fuel Cell buses as part of its operational strategy at the summit.

In conclusion, the Hydrogen Council Global CEO Summit not only strengthened ties within the hydrogen sector but also illuminated the potential for Korea to emerge as a central hub for hydrogen innovation. As global leaders articulated their vision and collaboration frameworks, the collective efforts signal a progressive shift towards embracing hydrogen’s significant role in tackling climate change and fostering sustainable energy solutions for the future.